In the spirit of the holidays and #givingtuesday, let’s talk about giving back with your talents. I personally believe giving back gives YOU so much it feels just as much like receiving! So here’s to a future of warm hugs and shining your bright light on to those that might need it. You have no idea the ripple effect something like this can have…

Photography Organizations where you can donate sessions to a cause:

1. The Magic Hour Foundation

   https://magichour.org/

   They are a national network of professional photographers who look to serve individuals and families fighting cancer. You sign up to be a photographer and they will pair you with families in your area as needed.

2. Spectrum Inspired

   https://spectruminspired.org/

   SPECTRUM INSPIRED is a global community that connects, supports and uplifts individuals and families touched by Autism Spectrum Disorders. In order to educate the general public, our team uses Lifestyle Photography to document a diverse group of children on the spectrum and their families across the globe in effort to normalize and destigmatize ASD.

3. OPLOVE

   https://oplove.org/

   They are a network of photographers offering sessions for Military Deployment and Homecomings.

4. Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep

   https://www.nowilaymedowntosleep.org/

   This organization provides the gift of remembrance portraits to parents experiencing the death of a baby.

If you are reading some of these and thinking…

“I can’t, I would be too emotional”

I am here to tell you, it is emotional. I have cried. But the desire to capture the love will take you over and you will have your camera to hide the tears … and “remember, you are gifting families their most prized possession on the hardest day of their lives.”

There are no accidents. You are there and were chosen for a reason.

If you would like a less emotion option, keep reading!

Donate a session/print to local Auction or Cause (School, Foundation, etc.)

I donate to my children’s school and other schools in the district for their auctions. I also donate prints to local parks, open spaces, and gardens that go to preserving nature and animals. Rotary Clubs also have great auctions for local community members.

Have old gear?

You can donate it to the Giving Lens https://thegivinglens.com/get-involved/

They take it to children around the world and teach them the joy of photography.

Don’t see an option you like, but see a need?

Reach out to that cause, person, event directly. Create something you want to be a part of. (And tell me about it because I’d love to join too!)

Know of other opportunities to give back? Share below!